Tile Lippage Removal System With Anti-Friction Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tile alignment devices apply lateral forces, causing non-parallel tile edges and glue oozing, and may mar the tile surface due to movement.

Innovation Solution

A tile lippage removal system with a spacer post, threaded cap, and anti-friction protection plate that applies only downward force, preventing lateral movement and using a break away connection and clear anti-friction protection plates to maintain edge alignment and prevent glue oozing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a device moves relative to tile surface to apply downward pressure, then lippage is removed, but the tile surface is marred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelippage removalVSAvoidtile surface damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-friction protection plate acts as a protective intermediary between the tile alignment device and the tile surface. This plate prevents direct contact and potential marring of the tile surface while still allowing the device to apply the necessary downward force for lippage removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-friction protection plate functions as a thin protective film that slides over the tile surface, providing a low-friction interface that protects the tile from damage while enabling the application of downward force for leveling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Manufacturing precision

If lateral movement of tiles occurs during alignment, then lippage is removed, but tile glue oozes out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelippage removalVSAvoidglue oozing
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-friction protection plate serves as a mediator that prevents lateral movement of tiles during the alignment process. By providing a controlled low-friction interface, it allows downward force application while restraining lateral displacement that would cause glue to ooze out.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9322185B1Tile lippage removal system
Publication Date: 2016.04.26 RUSSO TRADING CO INC
  • US9322185B1 patent drawing
  • US9322185B1 patent drawing
  • US9322185B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A tile lippage removal system preferably includes a spacer post, a threaded cap and an anti-friction protection plate. The spacer post includes a base member, a spacer member and a threaded shaft. A bottom of the spacer member extends from a top of the base member. A break away connection is made between the spacer member and the base member. A bottom of the threaded shaft extends from a top of the spacer member. A plurality of grip extensions extend from an outer surface of a substantial inverted cup to allow rotation of the threaded cap. A female thread is formed in a center of the substantial inverted cup to threadably receive the threaded shaft. The anti-friction protection plate includes a round outer perimeter and a spacer opening, which is sized to receive the spacer member. The anti-friction protection plate may be used to improve existing tile lippage removal systems.